LEARNING TO FORGET

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a NEW thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I AM making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Another translation reads “rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and press toward what is ahead.” Philippians 3:13

Good morning family! How was last year? Strange question? Stranger still would be your response if I were able to hear them. But for some people, that question isn’t strange at all; it’s where they live; in the past. I’m famous for asking this question of individuals who always go back to the past: “what eventually happens to someone driving a car looking only in their rear view mirror?” You got it! CRASH!! But the sad part is, other people are hurt in the process.

The past is just that! It’s passed. So move on. As children of God according to 2 Corinthians 5:17 we are new creations. The old has passed, the NEW has come. The problem we’re encountering is that most people don’t like or cannot let go of their past. This is why they need my daughter! No no I’m kidding lol but they do! Just saying (she’s a mental health clinician). But in all seriousness, this is why we all need Jesus! And this is why the renewing of the mind by the Word of God is vital to experiencing the blessed life we were meant to live. (Romans 12:2

In the scripture verses we read today God was offering Israel and us an opportunity to start over, begin again as it were from a New place. Not something restored, but brand new! Not only a fresh start but He also promised an obstacle free and refreshing path to your new “thing.” I’m glad He didn’t name the “thing “ because this left open the door to whatever the thing is that needs to be made new in our individual lives. Isn’t He so wonderful and yummy? Yes! I said yummy lol I just want to kiss His face right now!

In order to experience this new way of life, we must first learn to “FORGET.” We will never enjoy our future looking back at our past. Some of you may have a wonderful past so looking back is pleasant. So this lesson may not be for you today. But to the majority of us, we’re shouting bring on the NEW THING Jesus! Because we can’t wait to experience this new and living way. Saved or unsaved the one thing we have in common is a past. Can I get an AMEN somebody?

When God speaks like that I get fired up! Because He’s the only One capable of doing new life-changing, life transforming out of this world amazing things!!! If He said I AM (that’s His Name) doing a new thing I can take it to the bank, my life is not going to be the same! But there’s a catch… I must forget the old life to embrace the new. Easier said than done? I feel you. But this isn’t man talking! This is I AM that I AM! Jehovah God Creator of all life and things saying to me: FORGET the former things, do not dwell on the past, SEE! BEHOLD! LOOK AT ME! I AM making all things new. I’m out of breath… do you get it? He means every word! You just need to believe and let go of the past.

Come here…closer…What have you got to lose? Oh I hear a song coming on. Go ahead Mary Mary… “Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance!”

Take it from a man who had to work hard at forgetting his past. The apostle Paul. This man wasted the church of Jesus Christ. He hated anyone or anything that bore the Name of Jesus. He was murdering and consenting to murders. Then the ONE who makes all things new got a hold of him and WHAM!!! He has never been the same. He had a lot to forget. Read about it. Galatians 1 and 1 Corinthians 15:9 and some of us do too.

It’s not our job to clean it up, we don’t know how nor possess the power to. Only the ONE who makes all things new can. Our only response is trusting Him to be true to His Word.

So which is it going to be? Staying stuck in the past or the New thing specifically designed just for you? He doesn’t want to give you a makeover, makeovers are for the outside while the old you is still alive on the inside. He wants to do a NEW thing in you. He wants to make the crooked ways straight and the parched places rivers not streams or ponds. That’s life; one worth living prepared just for you and for me. (Isaiah 45:2) It’s yours! Won’t you receive Him? It’s Free.

Listen, I’m not trying to make light of your past. I too have a painful one. But thanks be to God! Who always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus! I’m here to tell you the New thing is better! waaaay better than anything I could hold to. Even my pleasant experiences cannot compare to His NEW thing hallelujah! So forgetting those things that are behind, I press toward the new thing, the high calling of God which is in Christ Jesus alone. (paraphrasing)

Gentle Savior, the One who heals our hurts and binds our wounds. Sometimes I struggle with forgetting my past. But I do want to embrace your promise to make all things new. By faith I receive the Holy Spirit’s help and move forward to receive total wholeness, spirit, soul and body. Thank you for your love and grace. In Jesus Name. Amen

Forgetting is a choice, but so is remembering. Choose to remember His promise to you.